shoe accessories

Men like shoes too!

PATENT PROBLEMS SOLVED: Here's how to fix some of the alarming and ugly scuffs and marks on patent leather boots and shoes and bags; we share a few tried and true care tips, from shoe lovers like you:

"Milk can take marks off"

"If you have a color mark, use nail-polish remover, but carefully, use a q-tip"

"rub with vaseline, to fix scuffs and restore shine"

And the best – "to get marks off kids' patent leather shoes, save some dough next time you bake. Use the raw dough to rub over the shoes, marks go, and it softens the leather!!"

Hairspray, and furniture spray also work.

AND NOW FOR THE BASICS OF SHOE CARE:

Moisture protection is a must. Mink oil will waterproof and preserve the shoe, but it can darken lighter shades of leathers. Silicone spray provides water protection and doesn't alter the color.

Shoe Polish: There are two kinds of polish; cream/paste and wax polish. Cream moisturizes leather and keeps it flexible. It soaks into the leather and allows it to breathe. Most cream or paste polishes contain mineral oil. They can help restore shoe color, but are not as good as wax polishes for covering scuff. Wax polish shines leather better than cream, but it seals the leather and can cause it to dry out over time. Most wax polishes contain Stoddar Solvent (Naphtha) or turpentine plus Carnauba and/or Beeswax. Avoid liquid polish, although it puts a fast shine on your shoes it can dry out and crack the leather. Silicone based products can cause damage to shoe leather.

Clean your shoes periodically with any leather cleaner. Then put in cedar shoetrees and let the shoes air dry. (Shoes should never be put close to heat sources, which can dry out the leather.) When shoes are dry, you can apply conditioner if needed and polish. .Don't use any cleaner on leather that contains an acid or a detergent. You can use saddle soap, Murphy's Oil Soap, Ivory soap or a cleaner made for shoe leather. Apply with a damp cloth, wipe off and let dry.

By Allison Hatfield - shuzsociety.com